February 22, 2010

The Yankees have reached a tentative agreement with Chan Ho Park worth $2 million over one year, according to a report from The Korea Times early this morning.

The Yankees see Park strictly as a reliever, a role that he thrived in last year for the NL Champion Phillies (2.52 ERA, 38 appearances). Evidenced by this quote:

“I think we have a terrific bullpen. The more the merrier. You can never have enough.”

It’s worth noting Park may have passed an audition in the World Series last year, as he tossed 3-1/3 shutout innings against New York.

The Yankees will need to free up a spot on the 40-man for Park, and I believe the odd man out is Sergio Mitre. Brian Cashman said he was looking to trade Mitre or Chad Gaudin in the offseason, but both are still with the team and are currently in position for bullpen roles.

I think it’s pretty clear now that Cashman will try and move Mitre for a minor leaguer, or may just release him. After all, he’s only making $850K.